On April 5 at 7:27pm, SJCSO deputies were dispatched to a residence on Road 390 in reference to a missing person. Family members of Denise Werito were concerned as she never arrived at work that day, her vehicle was not at her residence, and they had not heard from Denise. While meeting family at the victim’s residence, deputies had cause to force entry into the residence where they found the body of Ms. Werito. With signs of foul play, the scene was secured and detectives were called in.
From the San Juan County Sheriff's Office
Tuesday, April 11, 2023
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office has arrested Mateo Yazzie in connection with the death of Denise Werito. Mateo Yazzie, age 23 is being charged with Murder in the 2nd degree, a 2nd degree felony.
On April 5 at 7:27pm, SJCSO deputies were dispatched to a residence on Road 390 in reference to a missing person. Family members of Denise Werito were concerned as she never arrived at work that day, her vehicle was not at her residence, and they had not heard from Denise. While meeting family at the victim’s residence, deputies had cause to force entry into the residence where they found the body of Ms. Werito. With signs of foul play, the scene was secured and detectives were called in.
Mateo Yazzie who lived at the victim’s residence was quickly identified as a possible suspect. An abandoned vehicle located in Farmington was linked to the victim. Yazzie was located at an apartment in Farmington and was detained for questioning. The investigation led Sheriff’s Office Detectives to secure an arrest warrant for Mateo Yazzie for the charge of 2nd degree murder.
Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals including juveniles and young adults and located a deceased individual identified as Samuell Tariq Liggins, age 20.
Following an extensive investigation by Farmington Police Department detectives, an arrest warrant was issued for 40-year-old Matthew Sandoval, who is known to have a family connection to Madrid, who has been charged with 1st Degree Murder and Tampering with Evidence. On March 28, Sandoval was located by U.S. Marshals in the 400 block of W. Animas. Farmington Police officers responded and arrested Sandoval on the outstanding warrant.
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Officers canvassed the area for the suspect; however, investigators believe the individual left the area prior to police arrival. The Farmington Police Department is releasing a video of a person of interest. The video shows a male on a bicycle headed east on Navajo Street towards Lincoln Avenue. The Farmington Police Department urges anyone with information or video surveillance from the area to contact detectives at 505-599-1068.
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Reports indicated the child had been locked in a chicken coop for extended periods and exposed to extreme weather conditions. Detectives immediately responded, removed the child from the home, and gathered evidence corroborating the allegations.